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Inclusion Films gives students with developmental disabilities a chance to shine

Inclusion Films gives students a chance to shine
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A Bakersfield school is teaching social and professional skills to children and adults with developmental disabilities, all through the art of filmmaking. 

Joey Travolta, the brother of actor John Travolta, started Inclusion Films in 2012.

"My biggest accomplishment of all is Inclusion Films," Travolta said.

Travolta said he was a special education teacher in New Jersey, but it just wasn't paying the bills. That's when he decided to go into the family business of filmmaking. 

The 35 students enrolled in the downtown Bakersfield school learn every aspect of filmmaking, from writing to editing, lighting and even set design. 

Travolta said he uses his connections to get students jobs in the field after completing the program. 

Dale Oprandy, the executive director of the program, says this school is a family that works together as a team, and grows each individual in their own way. 

"They teach us so much about life, and life skills, and teach us to just enjoy every moment of our lives because they have been through so much," Oprandy said.

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